A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Tomorrow I am attending the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) Committee, where we are considering a significant amount of investment across our region. Included in these is £1.7 million funding for the Milsom Quarter public realm improvements and Fashion Museum Bath, both of which are major opportunities to boost our local economy, support jobs and enhance our cultural offer.

The committee will also consider North Somerset joining WECA, which would strengthen regional collaboration. We need more reliable, sustainable travel options and will be discussing investment in the future of bus services across the region. Alongside this we will focus on action support families facing food insecurity with an ambitious landmark new food and essentials distribution hub which will ensure families who need help continue to receive support.

Earlier this week, many residents came together at the Holocaust Memorial Day event at the Guildhall. It was a moment of reflection and solidarity for people to remember those who suffered and renew a commitment across Bath & North East Somerset to challenging hatred and prejudice.

On Tuesday the council hosted a visit from Active Travel England (pictured) to show some of the improvements we’re making for walking, wheeling, and cycling. The team got to see the soon-to-open Scholars Way route in the south of Bath on bike and saw plans for schemes currently in construction such as Bath Quays Links. It was great to share the travel choices and improvements we are making.

I’m also proud to share the news the council has won the Best Non-residential New Build award in the Local Authority Building Control national awards for Pixash Lane Recycling Centre, which was recognised for its sustainability. And in the heart of Bath, the design for our Broad Street Yards regeneration scheme in Milsom Quarter has been shortlisted in the prestigious Pineapple Awards, celebrating the very best public spaces in the UK.

Have a great weekend.

Community resilience

Are you prepared incase there is an emergency and you have to leave your house in a hurry? Major emergencies can be rare, but it's important to be prepared. You can do things now to make sure your family or business are ready for unexpected events.

For more information visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/plan-emergency.

News

Explore the Collection: Fashion Museum Bath Opens Up Its Collection with New Digital Prototype

Fashion Museum Bath has today unveiled Explore the Collection: a prototype of a new online catalogue that offers digital access to one of the UK’s most important contemporary fashion collections. Find out more about the Fashion Museum's new catalogue.

Find inspiration for the perfect “I do” at Bath Guildhall’s annual wedding showcase

Couples planning their big day are invited to step inside one of Bath’s most iconic buildings next month as The Guildhall opens its doors for the much-anticipated annual wedding showcase.

Have your say

Council meetings

Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.

Follow us online

You can follow us on Nextdoor, X, Facebook,
Instagram and Bluesky; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. Visit our website.

View and take part in our consultations

Support

Cost of living

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. This is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. Check the website to see if you’re eligible to register.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

For people struggling to afford broadband or phone services, there are social tariffs available. Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has a webpage with more information about social tariffs including eligibility requirements and how to apply Social tariffs - Connecting Devon and Somerset

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

Employment support and skills

Achieve

Achieve in B&NES provides local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

Health, wellbeing and support

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or visit the website.

Livewell B&NES

Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to families, adults needing care or support and parent carers with a child/young person with additional needs (SEND), living in B&NES.

Public health

To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events, consultations and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter.

Never give up giving up

You can find information about the Bath & North East Somerset Stop Smoking service and the free support offered on the Everyone Health website. Alternatively, you can text QUIT to 60777, call freephone 0300 247 0050, or email eh.banes@nhs.net Or simply download the Smoke Free app on to your phone.